Entry deadline looms for Newcastle's new Lord Howe race

12:09 AM Wed 24 Feb 2010 GMT

'Newcastle Harbour will turn on a spectacular start - Butlers Business and Law Round Lord Howe Island Race' Mark Rothfield Click Here to view large photo

The 'vision' to create a new signature yacht race from Newcastle Harbour is fast becoming a reality for yachtsman Tony Purkiss, with the entry deadline looming for the inaugural Butlers Business and Law Round Lord Howe Island Yacht Race.

A completed application form must be received by the Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club (NCYC) before noon on March 1 - after that, a late entry fee will apply.

The race is scheduled to start on Newcastle Harbour on Mother's Day, May 9.

To entice early arrivals, the NCYC is offering discounted marina fees - 10 per cent initially, then 50 per cent after Sail Port Stephens, and free berthing in the days immediately before and after the race.

As other incentives, one lucky crew member will win Henri Lloyd Offshore wet weather gear worth over $2000 and there are two prizes of 12-month subscriptions to Tide Tech software to be won.

Skippers will receive an embroided polo shirt, with crew being able to order their own to have a lasting memory of the race. Each yacht will also receive a commemorative 'skyte plate'.

At 770 nautical miles the race will be 140 miles longer than the Rolex Sydney-Hobart, but it has been timed to coincide with favourable conditions. Both mono and multihull yachts are welcome to compete, fully crewed or short-handed.
The racing division will sail non-stop, rounding the island then heading straight back to Newcastle Harbour. Entrants in the Performance Cruiser Division will enjoy a lay-over on the World Heritage-listed island awaiting suitable weather for the return leg.

Mooring availability at Lord Howe Island is limited, with early entries getting priority. Crews in this division are also able to swap while on the island.

'I've sailed to Lord Howe eleven times and just love the place,' Purkiss said. 'And there's no better place to start and finish than Newcastle.'

Since being blinded and badly injured in a 2005 Bali bomb blast, Purkiss has moved heaven and earth to sail to his beloved island. Indeed a sign above his hospital bed read 'Lord Howe, or Lord how?'

Blind sailor Tony Purkiss is the visionary behind the inaugural race - Butlers Business and Law Round Lord Howe Island Race - Mark Rothfield Click Here to view large photo

He eventually made it back to the island in his own yacht, and he may even compete in this year's race aboard principal sponsor Kym Butler's Northshore 370 One For The Road.

Race management duties will be handled by the accomplished Ocean Racing Club of Victoria and radio scheds will be conducted by Kordia.

A detailed Notice of Race for the Butlers Business and Law Round Lord Howe Island Yacht Race is available on the NCYC's website - www.ncyc.net.au

Approaching Balls Pyramid near Lord Howe Island - Butlers Business and Law Round Lord Howe Island Race - Mark Rothfield

by Mark Rothfield

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